Backdoor system introduced for Sigerson Cup

THE Sigerson Cup will use a backdoor system for the first time in its history next year, writes Donnchadh Boyle.

Previously a straight knock-out competition, teams defeated in round one of the Electric Ireland sponsored competition will now get another chance to kick start their season in a losers’ round when the competition gets underway on January 16.

The final is set to be played on February 20.

Reigning champions UCD start their campaign at home to Cork IT while last year’s beaten finalists NUI, Galway take on St Mary’s in their opening fixture.

All Sigerson fixtures will be played on campuses or local venues as part of the sixth year of a home and away agreement between all participants.

Any pairings which have been played over the last five years will now revert to the other team’s venue.

Meanwhile, the Fitzgibbon Cup saw four of the competition’s heavyweights paired together in Group A with defending champions UL, who can call on Young Hurler of the Year Kyle Hayes, drawn with UCC, NUIG and UCD.

There are four groups in total with the top two teams from each qualifying for the quarter-finals. Group winners will then have home advantage with the final to be played on February 23 in WIT.

Full details of all fixtures will be available online later this week on www.gaa.ie/highereducation.